24 MAY 2018

IBF World Champion Hernandez faces mandatory Alekseev on November 23

The wait is over. After having won the rights to stage Yoan Pablo Hernandez’ (27-1, 13 KOs) mandatory against Alexander Alekseev (24-2-1, 20 KOs), Team Sauerland is proud to announce that the IBF Cruiserweight World Championship is going to take place on November 23 at the brose Arena in Bamberg, Germany.

"This is going to be an instant classic," promises Ulli Wegner, head coach of Hernandez. "It will be a clash between two world-class technicians."

Hernandez is glad to defend the title he won versus American Steve Cunningham back in 2011 for a third time. "Finally I have my next title defense scheduled. I already wanted to fight this February but while being in training camp for this bout, I broke my left hand in sparring," said the 28-year-old champion, who is also recognized as the Cruiserweight World Champion by "The Ring Magazine". "After such a long break I see some hard work coming up against Alekseev. But as a world champion you have to fight what is set in front of you. He earned his mandatory spot so I am happy to face him on November 23."

Alekseev himself is highly motivated to dethrone the defending IBF-titlist. "This will be the most important fight of my career to date," assures the 32-year-old challenger. "Everything works the way it should be in training and I promise that I will take this chance and beat Hernandez!"